How to Enjoy a Visit to Hearst Castle
No journey to California would be complete without a drive along the coastal highway. And no journey along the highway would be complete without a visit to a rich man and his castle. Hearst Castle in San Simeon is an amazing piece of architecture and is now a Historic National Monument. See a world you have never seen before and enjoy yourself being taken back in time.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Head on California Highway 1, up to the Center Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles and arrive at Hearst Castle. Also called, "the ranch," Hearst Castle is an amazing and massive Mediterranean style estate owned by one of the wealthiest men during the early 20th Century. Hearst Castle was built in 1919 for William Randolph Hearst. It is a melting pot of antiques and furniture and furnishings from European Castles. Art should not be counted out as rare paintings line the walls and even on the ceilings with sculptures that are nothing short of decadent.
-
2
Catch a flick before going on the tour at the visitor’s center. Playing on a 5 story screen at the National Geographic Theater, a show will enlighten you of your monumental visit. About the Hearst Castle and the man behind it, William Randolph Hearst was an eccentric, wealthy media magnate of days gone by. He built the castle high up on an enormous piece of land where he housed his own private zoo animal collection. Hearst had many stars stay with him at "the ranch” including, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin.
-
-
3
Sign up for a tour or book one on-line. There are four tours that are guided by park staff, each with a different theme and less than 2 hours in length. No matter which tour you choose you won’t miss the highlights within (or around) Hearst Castle. Take "Tour 1 - The Experience Tour" as it is recommended for people who have never visited the castle before and offers the best overview of "the ranch". On this tour you will be told all sorts of gossipy stories about the past with happenings within this beautiful estate. When you're waiting for your bus to shuttle you up the hill to the castle, you'll have some time to check out the exhibit in the visitors’ center. The curators have detailed the history and life of William Randolph Hearst and the story of the castle. On exhibit are memorabilia, photos, and wonderful old films; it is a really nice walk down memory lane.
-
4
Imagine, as you walk around the sights, what it must be like to have an unlimited amount of funds to create this palace. Everything is preserved magnificently and the Hearst's Castle is full of amazing sights inside as well as the outside. Begin your tour by viewing two pools (Greek-Roman Neptune's Pools). The Neptune is outdoors surrounded by statues and white marble cherubs. The Roman pool is an indoor pool designed with imported blue tiles and gold leaf and is very mysterious and romantic. Both are extraordinary and two of the highlights of Hearst Castle. Next is the Casa del Sol, which is the guest house, the gardens and statues and finally the estate’s magnificent main house, “Casa Grande.”
-
5
Enjoy a snack before or after your tour. You can have either something substantial in the Snack Bar or pastry and cappuccino in the Espresso Bar. A gift shop is also available to obtain a memory of your visit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hearst Castle is open for tours daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
The estate is decorated during the holiday season, which will make the visit extra special.
Plan a second visit and take another tour which will include other areas of the estate.
VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express cards are accepted.
Wandering the grounds on your own is not allowed.
Large, bulky backpacks, folding chairs, camera bags, etc. are not allowed due to the narrow hallways and numerous stairs.
Prices are subject to change without notice so check the website for the latest.
No food or drink is permitted on tours.
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
where are the prices for the tours!
